A civil rights organization has filed an ethics complaint with the Oregon Psychiatric Association against a Portland psychiatrist for using so-called conversion therapy. University of Oregon student Max Hirsh claims that when he sought treatment for depression, he instead received therapy that focused on his sexuality. His complaint to the Oregon Medical Board was dismissed in December.
The American Medical Association opposes conversion or reparative therapy for LGBT patients, and in 2009 the American Psychiatric Association announced there was no evidence to support the practice. The Southern Poverty Law Center's ethics complain calls on the OPA and APA to investigate the psychiatrist for violation of medical ethics.
KBOO's Zeke Harrington spoke with Christine Sun, Deputy Legal Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, about their complaint.
- KBOO